How to Join — Officer
Special Tactics Officer
19ZXA
Eligibility
- —U.S. citizen, eligible to obtain a Top Secret clearance
- —Able to obtain Special Warfare Airmen (SWA) medical clearance
- —Volunteer for hazardous duty: parachute (static-line and freefall), combat diver (SCUBA) open and closed circuit
- —Outstanding resume and no negative personal history
- —Six-year active duty service commitment upon completion of training pipeline
Phase I — Application Package
A panel of career field experts reviews and ranks all applications submitted by the deadline. The top applicants are invited to attend Phase II. Applications can be submitted at any time, but all requirements must be met by the deadline.
- Cover page— personal info, official photo, commander info, fitness scores
- Initial Fitness Test (IFT) scoresheet
- Personal narrative— one page covering your background, strengths/weaknesses, and why you want to enter the career field
- Resume— one page, emphasize leadership experience. USAF members must also include their SURF.
- Commander recommendation letter — one page, signed, with specific leadership examples
- Three most recent performance/training reports — include what is available if time in service is short
- Signed medical statement — documenting facility and date of most recent physical exam
Submit your complete application as a single PDF via signed .mil or .gov email (or via DoD SAFE). A Special Warfare Physical is encouraged but not required to apply.
Fitness Standards (IFT)
Selection is extremely competitive — aim well beyond the minimums. Only perfect-form repetitions count. Your IFT should be accomplished within three months of the Phase I due date.
| Event | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Pull-ups (1 min) | 12 reps |
| Sit-ups (2 min) | 75 reps |
| Push-ups (2 min) | 64 reps |
| 3-Mile Run | 22:00 |
| 25m Underwater Swim | 2 x 25m (Pass/Fail) |
| Surface Swim | 1500m in 32:00 |
Test order: pull-ups, sit-ups, push-ups (2 min rest between each), 10 min rest, 3-mile run, 20 min rest, 2 x 25m underwater swim (3 min cycle), 10 min rest, 1500m swim.
Phase II — Assessment & Screener
Phase II is a week-long in-person evaluation at Hurlburt Field, FL. Attendance is TDY-funded, voluntary, and non-binding. The cadre will observe and take notes on everything you do. These observations, along with input from psychologists and your peers, form the basis for a hiring recommendation.
- —Extensive psychological testing and interviews
- —Briefing and writing skills evaluations
- —Problem solving and leadership evaluations
- —Ruck marches with 50–70 lbs at distances up to 12 miles
- —Running for distances up to 5 miles
- —Calisthenics sessions
- —Water confidence: underwater swim intervals, mask & snorkel recovery, buddy breathing, drown proofing, treading, surface swimming
Grounds for elimination: failure to meet fitness standards, medical DQ, Quit by Action (3 Failure to Train instances), Self-Initiated Elimination, or UCMJ/integrity/safety violations.
After Selection
Selected candidates receive PCS orders and enter the training pipeline. Between pipeline schools, you will maintain a physical training regimen and complete in-house training to enhance your awareness of Special Tactics missions. Six-year active duty service commitment upon graduation from the training pipeline.